Fiscal year 2011 came and went without appropriations to various federal programs, such as Head Start. But Congress did pass a $219 billion continuing resolution to continue the flow of federal dollars at previous levels.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a final rule today that prohibits interstate commercial drivers, including some school bus drivers who work for private contractors, from using cell phones or other wireless communication devices while behind the wheel.

Building upon the progress made at the initial meeting last fall, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was joined by lawmakers, traffic and vehicle engineers, the families of distracted driving victims, safety experts and representatives from private enterprise to continue the discussion on a deadly national trend.

NHTSA is recognizing this week the importance of proper child passenger safety seat usage.